The Fairfield University softball team lost its first game at the 2026 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Championship, falling to Iona University by a score of 10-6, according to a May 7 announcement. The championship is being hosted by Marist University.
This loss places Fairfield in an elimination scenario as they continue in the tournament. The outcome is significant for the team’s postseason hopes and sets up a must-win situation in their next matchup.
Fairfield took an early lead when Anna Paravati hit a two-run home run after AJ Mull drew a walk in the first inning. Pitcher Alyssa Weinberg held Iona scoreless through three innings, retiring the first seven batters she faced before allowing two walks but escaping without damage.
Iona broke through in the fourth inning with seven runs on five hits, including a grand slam by Alivia Licthner that gave them a commanding lead. Fairfield responded with back-to-back home runs from Quinn McGonigle and Danica Silvestri in their half of the fourth, cutting into Iona’s advantage.
The Gaels added three more runs early in the fifth inning before Delaney Moquin came on to pitch for Fairfield and retired three straight batters. Paravati contributed another RBI single late in the game, but Fairfield could not overcome Iona’s offense and finished with a 10-6 defeat.
Looking ahead, Fairfield will play Quinnipiac University on Friday in an elimination game. The time for that contest will be announced following completion of Thursday’s games.
